English Reference

Word

steamer

Phoneticssteam·er, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈstimɝ/

UK/stˈiːmɐ/

Definitions

01a ship

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a ship or boat that is powered by steam.

n. a vessel propelled by a steam engine.

“The old steamer carried passengers across the lake every morning.”

“By the late nineteenth century, the iron-hulled steamer had largely replaced sailing ships for transatlantic commercial transport.”

02cooking tool

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Cooking

n. a kitchen tool used to cook food using steam.

n. a kitchen appliance or container used for steaming vegetables, fish, or other food items.

“Put the broccoli in the steamer for five minutes until it is tender.”

“The chef recommended using a bamboo steamer to maintain the delicate texture of the handmade dumplings.”

Synonyms

food steamer

03clothing tool

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a device that uses steam to remove wrinkles from clothes.

n. a handheld or upright device that emits steam to remove creases from fabric.

“I used a steamer on my suit because I didn't have an iron.”

“The wardrobe assistant used a professional-grade steamer to ensure the silk gowns were flawless before the actors went on stage.”

Synonyms

garment steamer

04seafood

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Cooking American English

n. a type of clam that people usually eat steamed.

n. a soft-shell clam, especially the species Mya arenaria, typically served steamed.

“We ordered a big bucket of steamers at the restaurant by the beach.”

“The coastal tavern is famous for its steamers, served simply with a side of drawn butter and clam broth.”

Synonyms

soft-shell clam

05wetsuit

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Informal

n. a wetsuit with long sleeves and long legs for cold water.

n. a full-length wetsuit designed for thermal protection in cold water surfing or diving.

“You will need a thick steamer if you plan to surf here in winter.”

“Despite the bright sunshine, the water temperature necessitated a 4mm steamer for any session lasting over an hour.”

Synonyms

full suit

Antonyms

springsuit

06betting

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Sports British English · Technical

n. a horse that many people are betting on, so its price goes down.

n. a racehorse whose odds are shortening rapidly due to a high volume of bets.

“That horse was a real steamer this morning, dropping from 10-1 to 4-1.”

“Professional gamblers often track steamers to identify where the 'smart money' is moving before the race begins.”

Antonyms

Usage

Refers to both small kitchen appliances and large industrial cleaning equipment.

Real-World Examples

“From electric appliances to clay pots, we’ve put some of the most popular types of steamers to the test.”
WIRED 29 Jun 2024
“Steamers are a fast and easy way to smooth out rumpled clothing with little effort.”
The New York Times 29 Sept 2023

Etymology

From steam + -er. The steamer duck or steamer (sense 6.2) is apparently named for its resemblance to a paddle steamer when swimming rapidly.

From steam tug, rhyming slang for mug (“a gullible or easily cheated person; a stupid or contemptible person”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

steamer(B1)

Domain

Nautical

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference